31: Gathering together

"I never expected that the next time I came to the Imperial Mining Zone, it would be under these circumstances."

On the flagship of the Dark Annihilation, Zhang Huaiyuan watched as one spaceship after another, each inscribed with the markings of different factions, descended, and he couldn't help but feel a slight sense of emotion.

The situation had changed too quickly.

A year ago, those Galaxy Beasts were still mobile ATMs that the major factions of Blackstone Star could manipulate at will.

A year later, these monsters had suddenly become unprecedentedly powerful, forcing every mercenary corps to abandon their foundations and gather here to survive.

"Asroth, you didn't report such important news to me at all."

Zhang Huaiyuan placed the terminal for the intelligent lifeform he had created into a modified briefcase and connected it to the communicator on his wrist, allowing for communication at any time.

"Master, you specifically requested that I only need to collect scientific research information. Furthermore, the monitoring by the Star Vault Supercomputer is too strong; I cannot bypass it..."

"Shut up. How many times have I told you to exercise subjective initiative? You need to expand upon my orders and discern what I need. That is the only way to become a qualified assistant, do you understand?"

"Understood. It is my fault, Master."

"Forget it. Pay attention next time."

Zhang Huaiyuan shook his head. Asroth had been created less than a year ago; expecting it to be perfect in every aspect was indeed difficult for it.

He cast his gaze toward the Imperial jurisdiction before him.

The entire planet was surrounded by a layer of translucent red.

This was the strongest defense system in the entire Blackstone Star System—the Leistan-Class Ion Defense System.

As long as there was sufficient energy, even an ordinary S-Class Star River Beast would need quite a bit of time to break through it.

As the fleet approached, an entrance soon opened in the shield, and a communication link connected:

"An Mie Mercenary Corps, please follow the navigation instructions and proceed to the designated landing site."

At the same time, a light-based arrow appeared in the air, extending inward.

Following the guidance, after a moment, the fleet landed in an open area.

A man dressed as an officer approached, a formulaic smile on his face:

"Welcome to the Imperial Mining Zone. This is a temporary base specifically prepared for the lords of 'Dark Annihilation' by Viscount Kane. The total area is approximately ten thousand square kilometers. In addition to conventional buildings, there are three weapon production lines, a gene repair center, and other logistical facilities."

"Thank the Viscount on my behalf."

"Lord Dark" squeezed out a smile and returned the salute.

"It is my duty."

The officer glanced at the group, took out a manual enchanted with extraordinary power, and continued: "You have all traveled a long way, so I will not disturb you further. This contains the layout of all the facilities here as well as my contact information. If you have any other needs, just let me know at any time."

"Much appreciated."

"Lord Dark" took the manual and opened it; instantly, the layout of the entire temporary base was imprinted into his mind.

"Old Qin, Little Rain, you should also use it, then arrange the personnel distribution and get settled as soon as possible."

"Understood."

Ten days later.

The officer who had welcomed them earlier came to the base again.

"Lords of 'Dark Annihilation', all other factions in the Blackstone Star System have arrived. Viscount Kane invites you to the conference room to share the latest intelligence and discuss defense deployment."

"Due to limited space, each faction can send at most five representatives. Please forgive us."

The officer said with a hint of apology.

"Very well, please wait a moment."

Lord Dark nodded, turned around, and called out: "Old Qin, Little Rain, come with me, and also Ya..."

"Zhang Huaiyuan, Randy, come here."

Before Lord Dark could finish, An Yu interrupted directly: "Father, Randy is my assistant, and Researcher Zhang is currently the highest-level Researcher in Dark Annihilation. Is there a problem?"

"No problem, come over."

Lord Dark swept his gaze over the crowd and sighed inwardly. This daughter of his was good at everything, except for her lack of social tact.

Meanwhile, in the back.

"Teacher, the Eldest Miss is too biased toward the people in their branch. The leader was clearly going to call you, why did he call that new kid instead?"

"Exactly, and she even gave him the status of Chief Researcher. Why should he be on equal footing with you?"

Beside a burly, middle-aged man, two apprentices said indignantly.

Yak frowned upon hearing this: "I have seen the weapons modified by Researcher Zhang; his level has far surpassed mine. Being on equal footing with him is already me taking advantage."

"But Teacher... you have been in Dark Annihilation for so many years and have contributed so much, why should someone..."

"Silence!"

Yak's face showed a trace of annoyance, and he snapped: "How many times have I told you not to play the seniority game? In the field of Star Mechanics, the capable come first. Look at you all; you clearly have good talent, yet you remain stuck at the threshold of the proficient level, unable to improve."

"Remember this well: if you want to become a truly excellent Star Mechanic, you must put all your focus into learning and research, not into being jealous of others."

"This..."

The two looked at each other and lowered their heads, somewhat unwillingly: "Understood, Teacher."

On the other side.

Zhang Huaiyuan also followed the group to the council center of the Imperial Mining Zone.

Except for the "Spirit Night" Mercenary Corps, which had been destroyed by a large-scale Disaster Zone, the experts of all the major factions in the Blackstone Star System were almost all gathered here.

He scanned the room; apart from the research personnel, the weakest among them were B-Class Transcendents, and there were even nine Double A-Class Transcendents.

Perhaps because they were in the Imperial jurisdiction.

These usually arrogant faction representatives were exceptionally quiet at this moment; even parties with long-standing conflicts only exchanged glances.

After sitting quietly for a moment, footsteps approached from afar.

A noble-looking young man and a burly man with a rough demeanor pushed the door open and entered one after another.

Especially the latter.

With his arrival, an indescribable pressure filled the air, making it feel difficult to even breathe for a moment.

"This must be Viscount Kane, the highest leader of the Imperial Mining Zone, and Leios, the strongest Transcendent in the Blackstone Star System."

Zhang Huaiyuan narrowed his eyes slightly, focusing his mind on the two, and soon data points were fed back into his mind.

【Leios】

Classification: Carbon-based lifeform.

Ability: Thunderstorm—Area-of-effect attack ability, capable of controlling the power of thunder to a certain extent to defend against enemies.

Ability Level: Upper-tier.

extraordinary level: S.

Favorability: 0.

Strategy Suggestion: The target looks down on those with weak strength; please strive to improve your own strength.

【Kane】

Classification: Carbon-based lifeform.

Ability: Bewitchment—Makes voice and expressions more inciting, slightly improving the initial impression ordinary people have of him.

Ability Level: Lower-tier.

extraordinary level: B.

Favorability: 5.

Strategy Suggestion: The target is currently caught in a dilemma. On one hand, he is trying to hold the mining zone for the sake of family interests and does not want to flee. On the other hand, he knows that Imperial reinforcements are unlikely to arrive in the short term. Helping him achieve his goal can significantly increase favorability.

"Hmm? This is..."

Zhang Huaiyuan read the information in his mind, and his expression couldn't help but change.